Disclaimer: I own not.

Warnings: Not a whole lot in this chapter. Mild langauge.

Author's Note: I rather like this chapter. But I am sleep deprived at the moment, please forgive any dumb mistakes.

Also, this chapter takes on a slightly new format, which is only temporary. The first person point of view will be back in the next chapter. Along with Draco's Monologue.


Darkness had fallen around the Hogwarts grounds; it was so quiet most could hear nothing but the slight whispering of a cool breeze through the leaves.

A gate at the front of the grounds creaked open quietly and a hooded figure crept through, too small and lithe to be male, she glanced both ways and quickly sprinted, not towards the grand doors, but a small door, almost engulfed by the over growth of ivy. She pushed it open easily and crept down the stone spiral stair case. At the bottom, she paused and pushed a stone slab open, straining a bit. Carefully, she craned her head out; making sure no one was coming. And with a burst of speed as great as she could muster, she sprinted out, her footfalls echoing in the silent hallway. She slowed to a halt in a little alcove and took a deep breath, before turning and knocking quietly on the door.

-

Severus had settled down in his favorite wing back chair in front of a roaring fire with his favorite potions text and a cup of warm butterbeer when there was a knock at his door. He gave a frustrated sigh and set his cup and book aside, tying his robe and striding to the door. He opened it and peered out.

"Yes?" He asked in his normal surly tone, the hooded figure turned towards him

"Oh. Severus…"

Severus blinked and furrowed his brow

"Narcissa? What…"

Narcissa shushed him and pushed past, closing the door, pulling her hood down.

She took a deep breath and sighed, pushing her blonde hair back

"It's about Draco, Severus." She uttered, starting to pace, Severus blinked

"What…about him Narcissa?"

"I know my boy. Lucius…he's pushing him to get the mark…Draco won't stand for it. He…he sent us this, after I sent him a letter…I…hinted at it." She blurted, halfway in between panic and tears. She handed him a letter. Severus blinked and looked down

Dear Mother,

I regret to inform you and father that I cannot make it home this Christmas.

I have promised Pansy that I would escort her to the Yule ball, and I cannot go back on my promise. Your surprise shall have to wait. I hope we can mark a later date on our calendars to meet. I'm sorry, but I wish you both a happy Christmas. Send father my love.

Your son,

Draco

Severus blinked and looked up and quirked a brow

"Narcissa…this is hardly suspicious…" he said quietly, looking at the fervent woman. She glared

"Severus… 'Send father my love.'? Does that sound like Draco to you?" She cried, Severus blinked

"Not rea--." He started, but Narcissa cut him off

"'I hope we can mark a later date on our calendars to meet.'??" She added, Severus sighed

"I think you're looking too deep into things Narcissa. He simply wants to meet you at a later date." Severus explained rationally, Narcissa made a shrill noise of frustration

"Severus! I know my son! I know my baby boy! He's trying to tell me something!"

Severus sighed

"Alright Narcissa…what do you want me to do?"

Narcissa flopped into his chair and clenched her fist

"I want you to go to Dumbledore."

"Narcissa, I can't do that. The dark Lord would not approve."

She scowled at him

"Save it. I know you're a spy." She stated, Severus frowned a little

"How?"

"Sirius told me…" She said quietly, Severus growled

"That mangy prat." He spat "He should keep his nose out of my business."

"That mangy prat happens to be my cousin Severus. One of my favorites actually."

Severus frowned and muttered a few things under his breath

"Severus…please…we're talking about your Godson here…"

Severus sighed and nodded

"Alright Narcissa. I'll talk to Dumbledore." He conceded, Narcissa smiled at him, her eyes sparkling dully, Severus sighed again

"Would you like some butterbeer? Tea? Maybe something stronger?" He asked, Narcissa shook her head and stood, pulling her hood back up.

"I should get back before Lucius realizes I've gone." She said, tightening her robes, Severus nodded understandingly, Narcissa looked at him for a moment and hugged him tightly, Severus blinked and sighed a little more, patting her back gently, she pulled away

"Thank you…so much Severus…" She whispered, and then strode to the door. Severus watched until he could no longer see her, then he sighed and turned back into his room, staring at the fire

"Oh Cissy…why'd you choose him…"


DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUUN.

ahahaha...I need sleep.

Please reviiiiiiiew and I'll give you a coooooookie:)